The Murfreesboro Police Department in Tennessee confirmed the tragic death of a Virginia woman following a bizarre accident in a restaurant parking lot. Cathy Pendergrass, 61, of Warrenton, Virginia, succumbed to injuries sustained after being pinned between two vehicles on December 23, 2024. The incident, which authorities are calling a “freak accident,” unfolded in the parking lot of a LongHorn Steakhouse at The Avenue Mall in Murfreesboro.
A Good Samaritan’s Fateful Act of Kindness
Pendergrass was assisting a man in a wheelchair enter a modified Honda CRV when the tragedy struck. The Honda, equipped with passenger-side accelerator and brake pedals for use as a mail carrier vehicle, was being driven by another woman. As the driver reversed out of a parking space to accommodate the wheelchair user, Pendergrass stood outside the vehicle, lending a helping hand.
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According to the preliminary investigation, the man in the wheelchair, who had recently suffered a stroke and had lost feeling on his left side, accidentally pressed the accelerator pedal while attempting to enter the CRV. This caused the vehicle to abruptly reverse and spin out of control, striking a parked car and tragically pinning Pendergrass between the two vehicles.
Chain Reaction Crash and Tragic Outcome
The out-of-control SUV continued its reverse trajectory, colliding with two more parked cars before finally coming to a halt. The chaotic scene prompted a swift response from emergency personnel. Pendergrass was rushed to Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in critical condition and later transferred to Vanderbilt Medical Center. Despite medical efforts, she passed away on December 28, 2024, leaving behind a devastating loss for her family and community.
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The driver of the modified Honda and the man in the wheelchair were thankfully unharmed in the incident. The Murfreesboro Police Department’s Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT) is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact sequence of events leading to this tragic accident. The parking lot was temporarily closed following the crash, causing significant traffic delays in the area. Authorities advised shoppers to utilize alternative entrances while emergency crews worked to clear the scene. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected and often tragic consequences that can arise from seemingly ordinary situations. The community mourns the loss of Cathy Pendergrass, whose act of kindness ended in unimaginable tragedy.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The Murfreesboro Police Department has emphasized the importance of a comprehensive investigation. FACT will analyze all available evidence, including witness statements, vehicle inspections, and surveillance footage, if available. The investigation aims to reconstruct the accident and determine if any contributing factors beyond the accidental acceleration played a role. The findings will be crucial for preventing similar incidents in the future and providing closure to Pendergrass’s grieving family. The unexpected and tragic nature of this accident has deeply affected the local community. The LongHorn Steakhouse where the incident occurred expressed condolences and offered support to those involved. Local residents have also shared their grief and offered condolences on social media, highlighting the importance of community support during times of tragedy. The incident underscores the fragility of life and the need for increased awareness and caution in everyday situations, especially those involving vehicles and individuals with mobility challenges.
